COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED IN A JOB INTERVIEW

A job interview can make you or break you. How you present yourself is one thing and how you give justification to such impression is another. It is important to be yourself but being too comfortable or over smart may lead you to becoming inappropriate.

For my #NoTearsThursday, here is a guide, for you not to worry when that day comes. Here is an opportunity for you to know why they ask these questions. Below are pie charts (as courtesy let me acknowledge.. Art by: Ashwin Hirwe, Copy by: Amol Mahajan) that show you the small percentage window whether you're going to get the job or not based on how smart or over smart your answer is. It also shows that in giving the smart answer, you are most likely to get hired and how over-smart answers affect you. These are just but a few of the common questions that may sound very simple but denotes such great weight on your portfolio.

1. WHAT IS YOUR WEAKNESS?

This question is crucial to you but it is imperative on the interviewer's behalf. This should not be taken subjectively. Analyzing it, answering this with utmost honesty is a suicide. Yet, it tests you on how you acknowledge a window of opportunity to learn. And also, for the interviewer to know if you consider space for growth in a humble way. Most of the people who admit to being weak at something comes with a kind of defense mechanism in return. It is a given that nobody is perfect but it is always impressive when you encounter a great deal of enthusiasm when something negative is turned into something productive.

2. WHAT IS YOUR REASON BEHIND LEAVING YOUR LAST JOB?

Never and I mean NEVER say anything bad about your previous employer. First and foremost, no matter what you'll say negative and no matter how you defend yourself around it, it'll always be perceived as you being unprofessional. Why? Number 1, most likely, you were in the same situation way before you got that "now" previous job, wooing an interviewer. That being said, you have loved such position and asked for it. How it had turned out in the end was solely because of you and your choices. From that perspective, you're the one to be blamed and not for your previous employer to be bad mouthed. Number 2, for some twist of faith, the "previous" job may have led you to knowing this new job so if not for it, you're not getting interviewed as of the moment. Number 3, for sure, no matter how long you've stayed there, you still had been a part of it, for sure you have contributed in that company one way or another and for sure, you have learned something from them. Whatever you'll end up offering this new company that you're going for, you will not be the confident you if not for that previous job.

If worse comes to worst and you really had a bad experience with them, (because companies got great connections, they may find out what really happened eventually), you may just mention that such circumstance had made you grow as an employee and that experience will always remind you why failure is not an option.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

Obviously, this is a way for you to build up yourself. Choose a brief individual strength and one that will give your interviewer an idea that your flexible enough to work with a team. Be careful in not sounding cocky nor hollow. In general, focus your answer into how you will contribute to the company's edge. The interviewer relies greatly on this on why the company should hire you.

4. WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

This is an opportunity specifically asking how you can help the company keep up its good reputation and how efficient are you in maintaining it so. In addition, this is also the chance for you to showcase whatever you can help the company achieve either thru your expertise, experience or vision. Any employer would be moved to hiring you if you have that impact, confidence and much knowledge of the position you're striving for. So a well researched interviewee has a higher percentage of getting hired. At this point, remember how unique you are and it's important that you understand that this is your selling factor. There should be something that you, specifically, do that cannot be attributed or delegated to anybody else. Know it. Fast.

5. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF SUCCESSFUL?

At this point, morale is analysed. More likely, this is a way of gauging how you react with life circumstances. Again, nobody's perfect and there's always room for improvement. Being successful is meeting your goals and achieving it with full honesty and 150% effort. It's not a bad idea to brag a little but make sure it's kept at a minimum. It's not right to say a lot of things about you, almost sounding like, making it up. It's perfect if your recommendation letter is at hand if there are/is any as per supporting document. Do acknowledge (if the company honours team work) that as a team player, you understand the importance of the role each member holds and that you're more than willing to work with them. This way, you are letting your interviewer know that your eyes are open to the idea that wherever you may be, you can create success.

6. WHY HAVE YOU BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR SUCH A LONG TIME?

This is only significant if you were really unemployed at the time that you were applying for this new job. Now, based on the smart answer given below, it's highlighting the interviewee's drive in investing on himself. You see, it is important that you find a channel to reach into your interviewer's curiosity. Thru the line of achievements you've presented in your CV plus the most recent learning you've acquired, you may be a secret weapon in the making. Knowing how to multitask is a plus but once you get the job, you should be able to deliver. Efficiency is key. Multitasking efficiently is what's substantial. Answering this way is actually convincing the interviewer of this trait. And that you took a break not just because you wanted to waste time. Hitting two birds in just one stone, you have convinced him that you're an efficient "multitasker" and that you're an efficient time manager.

7. HOW LONG WOULD YOU EXPECT TO WORK FOR US IF HIRED?

It wouldn't hurt that you would admit that you are after growth in the company you want to get into. After all, that's how we thrive. As human beings and living creatures, we need to grow. And it is our right to weigh if the environment we're in will facilitate that growth. This is an interesting question to ask your interviewer in the end if questions are welcome from your behalf. It may be constructed this way, "What makes you stay in the company?" In the end, this will help you know what to expect from them.

8. DESCRIBE YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE.

Time is of importance because this is the most essential commodity that gets you paid. That is money from the company paid to you. No boss would want to see you wasting their money because you're time serving them is not getting maximised. That being said, every interviewer looks for your ability to manage time well. In addition, higher positions require your management skills of people, projects and time, "altogether". With the way you will be delivering your answer for this, you will be able to denote how organised you can be. So, this question is quite an umbrella of knowing everything that the interviewer needs to know. 

9. ARE YOU A TEAM PLAYER?

Thou art very good in sports, it doesn't mean that thou have to brag all of the gold medals thou have won. You are lucky if you are able to come up with a metaphor to show how efficient you could be in delegating jobs with the sports you play. Or if your interviewer plays the same sport as you for him to understand what you're saying.

But being a team player in the office is totally different.

Furthermore, this information is crucial as to how you deal with budding subordinates. Yes, you are OK in letting other people swim on their own as far as honing them to build and create in order to feed them with experience. But because of this they have the liberty to make errors of their own as well (and hopefully learn from it). What the interviewer would be interested to know is, as the leader of these subordinates, how would you manage implying the principle of making minimal errors yet maintaining big experiences for them? How do you deal with deadlines while working with the team? It's always not a good thing if you'd say you prefer working alone. At every job, whether you are a janitor or a CEO, you will be having work mates.

10. WHAT POSITION DO YOU PREFER ON A TEAM WORKING ON A PROJECT

When you are asked of "your" preference, it's always a test of character. This is your chance to show versatility at your end. Being flexible means you easily adapt. And that's a plus to you if you are always ready to adjust without bending the quality of your services into a compromise. This trait comes in handy most especially when you have specialised NOT involving your emotions when changes have to be made during crunch time. Meaning, when you can outperform your emotions of cramming and panic with a productive gesture, well and good. 

11. WHAT IRRITATES YOU ABOUT A CO-WORKER?

This question is very subjective in nature but this gauges you on how well you filter your emotions. It's always a good choice to be the bigger person in the end but be careful in not being labeled as a loser. The interviewer may perceive what kind of personality you have with your manner of answering this particular trigger. Remember that getting fixated on a negative emotion is always a no-no. Moreover, you don't have to tell a specific scenario complete with the dramatic particulars when asked of this. All that the company needs to know is if you are still able to keep your professionalism intact when dealing with personal shit.

12. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE.

When you work, expect different kinds of pressure. Most of the time, when there's pressure involved, you are working for something in demand or for someone who got high expectations of you. Don't get me wrong, both are actually positive on your account. So, instead of cracking under pressure, you should be more driven to deliver your best. Yet again, nobody's perfect but there's always a better way in handling even the most difficult situations. You should have discreet ways in your pocket on how to keep pressure under control. This is most beneficial when you are going for a higher position.

Usually, acknowledgement of other team members and delegation to your subordinates are powerful tools to counter failure because of too much work pressure. Though this challenge alone can make you or break you, the outcome of it will still be charged to experience in the end. Anything may help you out in avoiding unnecessary errors later on.

13. HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF FIVE YEARS FROM NOW?

Depending on your planned timeline, it is important that in answering this, your supposed growth will be directly proportional to the growth of the company or at least the account that your handling. It's a plus if there are also some of your subordinates that would get promoted because of your initiative of letting them grow. Your ability to adapt, learn, give support and serve as an inspiration is a promising guide in coming up with your timeline in the company you want to pursue. Aspire for limitless capacity. Putting these thoughts altogether will lead you to a sturdy and reliable response that will surely get you the job.

14. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THIS JOB?

After doing immense research of the company you want to get into and the role you would want to have, it's undeniable that you would be having expectations of your own. To your advancement, touch the idea of growing internally alongside your colleagues. Impress your interviewer with your sincerity of becoming superb with the guidance and tools their company can provide. This way, your interviewer would feel that you're not only the kind of person that is well read and knowledgeable about how to make time work for you but that, you can also be an asset in the end for your dedication into your own skill development. Once you are assured of an attainable expectation, most likely, you will get hired.

15. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US?

There's no other answer to this question except for that one below since it shows your enthusiasm and your unfailing determination to join their team. This is how the question, "How bad do you want this?" is applied. There are a list of good questions too that you may ask such as, "What made you stay?", "What are the short and long term goal of the company?", "What are the company's initiative regarding learning and development?". These are examples of impressive questions that you may learn a lot from. On the other hand, your interviewer would feel that you have a great desire for further efficiency on your part. It gives you a promising status from there.

You may also like:

1. 5 TIPS IN PREPARATION FOR A JOB INTERVIEW - The ultimate guideline as you prepare for the day that will surely change your life.
2. HOMEBAKERS TURNED ENTREPRENEURS - Here are some of the bakers I personally know who have made a name in the cake business. You might be needing their services. Read on!
3. DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD - a student and a professor having a dialogue justifying God's existence. It is an interesting read.